VHF use was weather monitoring, and emergency use

Weather transmissions are on a different band, but most (all?) marine VHF sets have the ability to receive (not transmit) on the weather channels. (BTW: My wife's car radio receives weather band, it's so useful that I can't think why they all don't). The VHF channels are assigned for different purposes. There is a list at http://www.qsl.net/tcarc-ntx/marine.html . Generally, you would listen on 16, and switch to another channel (e.g. 78) to decide which restaurant you prefer. If you stay in US waters and aren't required to carry a VHF, then you don't need to buy a license. Otherwise, you do. Giles Morris Arlington VA Montgomery 15 "Umiaq" Vancouver 25 "Dolphin" Miscellaneous small craft